Michael Chandler believes he may have a short path to another crack at UFC gold, thanks to his performances against both men in the upcoming lightweight title fight in May.
Chandler (22-7 MMA, 1-2 UFC) has been linked to former interim champion Tony Ferguson as a next potential opponent, although the fight has not yet been signed. If the contest does come together, it will be the third straight opponent for Chandler that has held a piece of the UFC’s lightweight title.
“Do I think I automatically make myself the No. 1 contender by beating Tony Ferguson or winning my next fight?” Chandler questioned on ESPN’s “DC & RC.” “I don’t think so under normal circumstances, but these are not normal circumstances.”
Although his UFC record is one fight below .500 in his short stint with the promotion, his performances have left lasting images in the minds of fight fans. For that reason, the former Bellator champion believes he is in a great place, especially considering his back-to-back battles with the two men who will be competing for the lightweight title at UFC 274, Justin Gaethje and Charles Oliveira.
“I think everyone wants to see a rematch of myself and Charles Oliveira,” Chandler said. “They want to see – they definitely want to see a rematch, Chapter 2 of the Fight of the Year against myself and Justin Gaethje. So, I’ve kind of put myself in a unique position where I could be one win away, and I get the nod to go out there and win the title by the end of 2022.”
When Chandler arrived in the UFC, his intentions of having exciting matchups and title fights were his main objectives. Although he came up short in the two outings that followed his incredible debut knockout against Dan Hooker, he feels everyone knows what they can expect from him going forward.
“If I gotta fight two more fights, three more fights to get back to the title, that’s what I’m gonna do,” Chandler said. “Either way, everybody’s on notice now. When I step inside the UFC octagon, and I strap on those gloves, and I bite down on that mouthpiece, you’re gonna be on the edge of your seat. You’re gonna buy the pay-per-view, and we’re gonna have a blast.”
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